Zinc – Can’t Live Without It

Essential For Health

You may currently take zinc when you have a cold or flu. However, did you know that your cells need zinc on a daily basis? The adult body contains approximately 2.0 to 3.0 g of zinc, mostly stored inside your cells. Zinc has far-reaching actions which affect the health of your whole body.

Are Your Zinc Levels Low?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, your zinc levels may be low:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Brittle nails
• Depression
• Infertility (male and female)
• Loss of taste and smell
• Poor appetite
• Recurrent colds, flus and/or viral infections
• Slow growth and development
• Slow healing, acne and other skin conditions
• Sluggish digestion
• Sugar cravings
• White spots on finger nails

The Low-Down on Zinc Deficiency

Many people have deficient or insufficient levels of zinc. Factors increasing demand are:

• Ageing
• Alcohol consumption
• Diabetes
• Exercise
• Inadequate dietary intake
• Increased physiological needs
• Pregnancy
• Profuse sweating
• Vegetarian diet

Testing

Taste Test – This test involves holding a zinc solution in your mouth for 10 seconds and assessing your taste response. The test relies on the presence of gustin, a zinc dependant enzyme. A lack of zinc reduces the activity of gustin, thus altering your taste perception. I find this test inaccurate and don’t use it in the DNA clinic.

Plasma Blood Test – Most accurate method to check zinc levels.

Nourishing Your Body from A to Zinc

Zinc protects your cells from free radical damage, providing antioxidant defence. Zinc’s actions include supporting healthy immunity, and improving appetite and digestive function. Its ability to increase the healing rate of acne and wounds makes it indispensable for skin health. Zinc also plays a key role in blood sugar metabolism, for greater blood sugar control.

Zinc aids growth and development, and is an important nutrient during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Zinc is also important for male health, fertility and sperm production, increasing sperm motility and concentration, therefore enhancing the chances of conception.

Zinc is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus area of the brain which controls thought and memory. Recent research has shown zinc to be good for the brain, reducing stress and having a positive impact on mental function and mood.

You Don’t Just Have to Eat Oysters!

You can top up your zinc levels by increasing the intake of zinc-rich foods:

• Beef,  chicken and lamb
• Brewer’s yeast
• Egg yolks
• Ginger
• Oysters
• Pumpkin seeds
• Yeast

Zinc Supplementation

Without pathology (blood) testing, I would only recommend the self-prescription of zinc supplementation as part of a multi vitamin and mineral supplement. Zinc can be toxic and interact with other minerals including copper, calcium and iron.

Nutritional Medicine With DNA

Designer Nutrition Australia promotes and specialises in personalised health care. If you would like to have your zinc levels tested and the correct amount and type of zinc prescribed, please contact me via the Contact Page of the DNA website. You will be required to:

• Fill out the DNA Medical History Form
• Attend a 15 minute Skype or onsite consultation  ($60 consulting fee)
• Take the pathology request form to Clinical Labs or Melbourne Pathology and provide a blood sample (cost approx. $55)
• 15 minute follow up Skype or phone consultation ($60 consulting fee) to discuss result. If required you will be prescribed the right formula and dosage of zinc to meet your individual needs. Follow up pathology request form will be provided.
• 15 minute follow up Skype or phone consultation ($60 consulting fee) in 6 months to review pathology result and dosage of zinc supplementation.